Exploring like Colombos

Let me begin by apologising for that awful pun. I will try to improve as we go…

Friday 15^th November

Smelly. Dirty. Brimming with energy and excitement. Words that describe both the city of Colombo and myself after getting off the plane (sorry about that Helen).

I have to say I don’t particularly enjoy flying. However, it is certainly a means to an end and has allowed my generation to travel more frequently and further than was ever possible before. At this point it is appropriate to give a big thumbs up to Sri Lankan airlines. Salmon and potato for dinner, a great selection of films (Helen smashed through three) and a very efficient and friendly all-round service. Please take note airlines in England.

After flying through airport security (if you’ll pardon another awful pun) we made our way to the city centre, which entailed a 45 minute taxi journey. We then checked into our home for the next three nights, called Bunkyard Hostels (website: http://www.bunkyardhostels.com/). The hostel was absolutely FAB. A friendly vibe, clean, comfortable and in great proximity to all the city has to offer.

We then set out to explore (fuelled up by a tasty garlic/chilly crisp-like snack). Day #1 of about 200. Also lesson #1 of probably many. When it looks REALLY dark and cloudy and is also thundering, it will probably rain quite hard. In this scenario it is probably best to go back to the hostel quickly, or find shelter. We can now confirm that if you instead dilly-dally by the coast and slowly meander back, you will get wet. If you also insist on not getting a taxi/tuk-tuk because you made a decision to start walking and want to honour that decision (however silly that might be) you will get wetter.

Sights of Day #1

Bandaranaike International Airport

Gangaramaya Temple (one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo)

Seema Malaka (a picturesque Buddhist temple on a lake)

A very large rain cloud 

Saturday 16^th November

Turns out Sri Lanka is hot. In the words of Helen…’this is a bit like walking through a steam room…just all day’. The fort area of Colombo is really cool, lots of attractive buildings, with the highlights being Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque and St. Lucia’s Cathedral. It also has much more character in the form of beeping horns, mad traffic and sprawling street stalls than other districts of Colombo. Shameless selfies were taken by Rob, whilst Helen (ever so slightly overheated at this stage in the day) sat in the shade looking embarrassed. Anyway on to lesson no #2 which is; when looking for quick lunch options in Sri Lanka don’t order ‘rice with curry and vegetables’ from a supermarket. Unless you enjoy cold, rather bland and weird looking food. In that case, ignore me and order away.  On a side note – we had dinner at Raheema’s (very tasty and cheap Sri Lankan food with the locals).

Sights of Day #2

Independence Square

Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque

St. Lucia’s Cathedral

Colombo Lighthouse and Clock Tower

A horrible lunch

Sunday 17^th November

The day started with lesson no #3, don’t visit Sri Lanka (or at least Colombo) during a presidential election and expect to do/see anything. Turns out everything will be closed. In our blissful state of ignorance we walked around 1 and ½ hours (and it was also very hot today) to go to the beautiful-looking Beddegana Wetland Park. Upon arrival, we were treated to a 10 minute conversation with a rather unhelpful security guard (who didn’t let us in as you can probably gather from the tone of this post) before then walking 1 and ½ hours back. Lunch was a success though – gluten free hoppers (which is a rice flour based dish with egg and cheese) at a local food market/café. The afternoon was spent drinking chocolate milk and reading books in Viharamahadevi Park. Unemployed? Tick. Homeless? Tick. Enjoying life? Big Tick.

Sights of Day #3

Viharamahadevi Park

The gated entranced to Beddegana Wetland Park (complete with security man)

Tomorrow we catch the 7 am train to Kandy to begin a two-week stint volunteering on a wildlife conservation scheme (website: https://www.slwcs.org/). The adventure continues…